Genesis 5 records the genealogy from Adam to Noah, demonstrating the certainty of death due to sin while highlighting God’s redemptive plan through a righteous lineage. The chapter emphasizes human mortality, the faith of Enoch, and Noah’s birth as a foreshadowing of divine salvation. Through this record, we see both the consequences of sin and the hope of restoration through those who walk faithfully with God.
Genesis 5 Overview
- The Book of Adam’s Generations (Genesis 5:1-2)
- Adam to Seth (Genesis 5:3-5)
- The Lineage of Seth (Genesis 5:6-20)
- Enoch Walked with God (Genesis 5:21-24)
- Methuselah and Lamech (Genesis 5:25-31)
- The Birth of Noah (Genesis 5:32)
The Generations from Adam to Noah
1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, he made him in God’s likeness. 2 He created them male and female, and blessed them, and called their name “Adam,” in the day when they were created. 3 Adam lived one hundred thirty years, and became the father of a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. 4 The days of Adam after he became the father of Seth were eight hundred years, and he became the father of more sons and daughters. 5 All the days that Adam lived were nine hundred thirty years, then he died.
The Line of Seth
6 Seth lived one hundred five years, and became the father of Enosh. 7 Seth lived after he became the father of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 8 All the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years, then he died.
The Line of Enosh
9 Enosh lived ninety years, and became the father of Kenan. 10 Enosh lived after he became the father of Kenan eight hundred fifteen years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 11 All the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years, then he died.
The Line of Kenan
12 Kenan lived seventy years, and became the father of Mahalalel. 13 Kenan lived after he became the father of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 14 All the days of Kenan were nine hundred ten years, then he died.
The Line of Mahalalel
15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Jared. 16 Mahalalel lived after he became the father of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 17 All the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then he died.
The Line of Jared
18 Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, and became the father of Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he became the father of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 20 All the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then he died.
The Line of Enoch
21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the father of Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after he became the father of Methuselah three hundred years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 23 All the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.
The Line of Methuselah
25 Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, and became the father of Lamech. 26 Methuselah lived after he became the father of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 27 All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then he died.
The Line of Lamech
28 Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, and became the father of a son. 29 He named him Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, caused by the ground which Yahweh has cursed.” 30 Lamech lived after he became the father of Noah five hundred ninety-five years, and became the father of more sons and daughters. 31 All the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years, then he died.
The Line of Noah
32 Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Sermon Themes
Genesis 5 reminds us of the reality of sin’s consequences—death—but also of the hope found in walking faithfully with God, as seen in the life of Enoch. Though life is fleeting, our relationship with God has eternal significance. Like Enoch, we are called to walk closely with the Lord, living in obedience and faith. How can you walk more faithfully with God in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him?
- The Certainty of Death – Sin brought mortality, and each generation faced the reality of life’s brevity (Genesis 5:5, 8, 11, etc.).
- Walking with God – Enoch’s life was marked by close fellowship with God, leading to his divine translation (Genesis 5:22-24).
- The Line of the Righteous – God preserved a faithful lineage through whom His plan of redemption would continue (Genesis 5:3-32).
- Preparing for God’s Purpose – Noah’s birth signaled the coming judgment but also the promise of salvation (Genesis 5:29-32).
- Reflecting God’s Image – We are called to live in a way that honors our divine creation (Genesis 5:1-2).
- Life Is Short, Live Wisely – Death is inevitable; we must use our time for God’s purposes (Genesis 5:5, 8, 11, etc.).
- Walk with God Daily – Like Enoch, a life of faithfulness brings us closer to God (Genesis 5:22-24).
- Faith Leaves a Legacy – Righteousness impacts generations to come (Genesis 5:3-32).
- God Prepares His People – Even in times of darkness, God raises up faithful servants (Genesis 5:29).
- Hope in God’s Promises – God’s plan of redemption is always unfolding (Genesis 5:29).
- A Call to Prepare for What’s Ahead – Just as Noah was born into a crucial time, we must be ready for God’s work (Genesis 5:29-32).
▷ Scripture quotation taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.
